[Hiring] Counselor, Breastfeeding Peer @Southeastern Michigan Health Association

Role Description

Under the supervision of the WIC Program Manager and under the direction of the WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator, this paraprofessional support person will provide basic breastfeeding education and encouragement to WIC families at various Macomb County locations, to help them meet their breastfeeding goals.

Essential Functions

• Counsels and educates pregnant and breastfeeding women enrolled in the WIC Program by telephone, virtually or in person, from the WIC clinic or approved alternate work site.
• Maintains a caseload of clients who request breastfeeding information and assistance, and makes routine periodic contacts.
• Provides close contact and follow-up to clients during the early post-partum period.
• Refers complex breastfeeding issues or problems which are beyond the scope of the peer counselor’s knowledge or skills to the WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator, or alternate breastfeeding professional or health care provider.
• Assists in teaching breastfeeding classes or support groups to WIC clients.
• Teaches use, cleaning and assembly of breast pumps; expression and storage of human milk; and participates in the breast pump loan and issuance program in the WIC program.
• Enters client contact data and education in the MI-WIC system; may schedule appointments and issue benefits when appropriate.
• Participates in WIC staff meetings and communicates information to WIC staff as needed.
• Participates in breastfeeding training, workshops and conferences as required and thereafter as appropriate.
• Bends, stoops and reaches in order to retrieve documents, educational materials, and breastfeeding supplies.
• Lifts, moves and carries equipment and supplies that weigh up to 25 pounds.
• Be available outside normal business hours.

Qualifications

• Possess a valid Michigan driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Be physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without, reasonable accommodation.
• Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent.
• Has breastfed at least one (1) infant for at least six (6) months.
• Possess basic knowledge of the WIC program and the unique characteristics of the population it serves.
• Basic computer skills, including MS Office Suite, Google Office Suite, saving and accessing documents, chat and e-mail.
• Effective organizational skills.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality requirements and to conduct oneself with tact and courtesy.

Requirements

• Salary: $19.00 hourly
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Classification: Non-Exempt

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Paid time off and Holidays
• 403b (Retirement plan)
• Various Voluntary Benefit Options

Application Information

Please contact SEMHA HR Department @ (313) 873-6500 if you need assistance to upload resume, cover letter, and/or make application online.

Applicants must be presently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. E.O.E.

SEMHA is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the SEMHA Human Resources Department.

SEMHA positions are grant funded and are contingent upon the continued support of the funding throughout the duration of the assignment.